Entertainment
All set for maiden REFFA Awards
THE countdown has officially began for the maiden edition of the Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA), set to culminate in a dazzling Awards Night today at the Palms Convention Centre, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
Anticipation is high as the brightest talents from the African and Diaspora film industries prepare to walk the red carpet for an evening of celebrating cinematic excellence and ground-breaking storytelling. The special guest of honour is the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The REFFA Awards, a new and exceptionally prestigious awards scheme, is dedicated to honouring outstanding achievements in filmmaking across Africa and its global diaspora. This year’s edition, the maiden, has already captured international attention, having received over 121 film entries from 21 countries.
Following a rigorous screening process, the official nomination list was unveiled last month, featuring 112 nominees in 23 categories set to compete across various categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Actor/Actress in a Leading Role, and Achievement in Cinematography.
The 2025 REFFA nominees represent the finest creative voices currently redefining African cinema. Industry professionals, including established directors, rising stars, and celebrated technical artists, will gather to see who takes home the coveted trophies.
Key categories feature tight competition, highlighting films like RISE (Zimbabwe) and Murder In Mind (Ghana) for Best Short Film, and actors such as Ikechukwu Onunaku (Nigeria) and Roselyn Ngissah (Ghana) vying for individual accolades. “We are proud of the calibre of films submitted this year—works that tell authentic African stories with creativity and technical depth. The diversity of voices and themes demonstrates how far our continent’s film industry has evolved,” Selassie Ibrahim, Executive Director, REFFA noted.
The awards night will be preceded by a 3-day film festival which will start on December 10 to 12, 2025. There will be perfomances from Sonnie Badu, Diana Hamilton, Empress Gifty, King Promise, Kizz Daniel, Parrot Mouth, Kwan Pa band and Patchbay Band.
The Regal Film Festival and Awards promises to be an unforgettable night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration.
Ghanaian gospel dynamo, Piesie Esther, has expressed her readiness to take home the Gospel Artiste of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year and Traditional Gospel Song of the Year awards at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The musician with many years of success under her belt in the gospel music industry has been nominated for three categories at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Piesie Esther was nominated for Gospel Artiste of the Year, Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year with her smash hit, Nyame Ye.
The award-winning musician believes that she had a wonderful year in 2025, which deserves recognition.
According to her, with over 36 shows, millions of streams enjoyed by her Nyame Ye song, coupled with numerous brand engagements, she was in a pole position to outwit other competitors.
“Family, I need your love and support now more than ever! I’ve been nominated at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards and we’re going all out for the win! ,” she noted.
She called on all and sundry that “Every single vote counts, and I truly appreciate your continuous support. Let’s do this together.”
This year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards is slated for May 9, 2026 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Patrons at +233 Bar and Lounge had an unforgettable experience at the OK@50 All White Birthday Party last Saturday, April 18.
The Ghanaian music icon, Okyeame Kwame, turned 50 years last Friday, April 17, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the ‘Rap Dacta’ organised an All-White Party on Saturday to mark his 50th birthday to raise funds for the construction of a Paediatric Emergency Ward at the Manhyia Hospital.
This is a legacy project the musician is embarking on to mark his 50th birthday.
As part of the concert, patrons were treated to scintillating live performances by Afriyie Wutah, Akwaboah, Sista Afia, Kuami Eugene, KiDi, Kwabena Kwabena, Ras Kuuku, Abiana, Adina, Abochi, Kweku Darlington, and Kunta Kinte of Bradez fame.
One of the country’s finest DJs, Andy Dosty, also had his turn to mesmerise the patrons with hits from the past to present, a moment which saw many patrons on their feet for most of the time.
Okyeame Kwame rocked the gathering with numerous hits from his repertoire, including his new song dubbed ‘Clap.’
He also expressed appreciation to those who has genuinely supported his career to impact the lives of others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
